Von der Leyen doesn’t expect consensus on Russian gas ban during EU summit

The president of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, has warned not to make “false hopes”, which is the sixth package. ban on moscowWhich Hungary blocks because it involves sanctions on Russian oil, given that the discussion is still highly technical.

Von der Leyen pointed out that “technical” issues were still being discussed to try to turn the situation around. Hungary (the decision requires consensus), and assured that “this is not an appropriate issue to be resolved in the Extraordinary European Council” in statements to European media outlet Politico at the World Economic Forum, next Monday and Tuesday. Davos (Swiss).

“We are talking about countries that need alternative supplies through pipelines, so we have to talk about investments in pipelines, to increase supply, and we are talking about those refineries those to be upgraded, and investments and renewable energy”. ,

However, he noted that “there is a political element that can be discussed, namely, how much the other 26 (member states) are willing to give as an investment to Hungary, but the first and main difficulties are the techniques on which we Discussing. Now,” he insisted. ,

To adapt oil pipelines and refineries of Hungarian and other countries to non-Russian oil, The European Commission According to European sources, those countries have offered to invest 2,000 million euros in infrastructure, of which “a few hundred million” will go to Budapest.

Von der Leyen’s words coincide with sending a letter from the Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor OrbanoTo the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, which he has denied being able to address a proposed embargo on Russian oil at next week’s European summit, as he believes more about aid to his country It is necessary to know the information. ,

According to the letter published by the newspaper today financial TimesOrban insisted he could not support sanctions on Moscow without more guarantees about Budapest’s funding to seek an alternative supply of hydrocarbons.

It said, “Discussing the sanctions package at the leadership level in the absence of consensus would be counterproductive” and “will only expose our internal divisions without providing a real opportunity to resolve differences,” it adds.

“Therefore, I propose not to address this issue at the next European Council,” says the Hungarian leader in the letter.

European sources confirmed on Tuesday that they had received the letter and indicated that Michel consults with all EU heads of state and government in preparation for the summit, with the agenda of subjects still in the preparation stage. .